According to Ivan Nahorniak, Head of the European Integration Division at EasyBusiness, the opening of negotiation clusters by the end of 2025 is entirely realistic, provided that a political compromise is reached within the EU. At present, Hungary remains the main factor blocking the opening of negotiations on the first cluster, “Fundamentals,” where reform of the law enforcement sector is key.

“Ukraine has done its homework in preparing reforms and roadmaps. But we remain hostages to political compromises within the EU,” the expert emphasized.

Commenting on the possibility that Moldova might open its first negotiation cluster earlier than Ukraine, the expert noted that this would mean separating the previously linked EU accession processes of Moldova and Ukraine. At the same time, he stressed that even if Moldova opens its negotiation clusters first, this does not mean it will join the EU ahead of Ukraine.

“The opening of negotiation clusters is only the first step. What follows is enormous work by the government and parliament on the implementation of hundreds of EU legal acts. This means Ukraine may still catch up with Moldova at later stages of the European integration process,” Ivan Nahorniak said with conviction.

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